Conservative candidate welcomes jobless fall

Conservative general election candidate for Louth & Horncastle Victoria Atkins has welcomed new figures showing 820 fewer people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance in the constituency compared to 2010 – a 41 per cent drop.

Across the East Midlands there are 149,000 more people are in work since the last election. Overall there are now a record 30.9 million people in work. The employment rate, at 73.2 per cent, is also the highest on record.

New figures also confirm pay is now rising above inflation with total with pay up 2.1 per cent on the year, well ahead of inflation, which was 0.9 per cent over the period

Mr Atkins said: “820 fewer people relying on Jobseeker’s Allowance in Louth & Horncastle is excellent news – and alongside the news that wages are rising faster than prices, it’s clear that the Conservatives’ long term economic plan is delivering a more financially secure future for families in our area. She added: “Supporting the local economy is one of my priorities. A strong economy pays for the things we care about such as the NHS, school and flood defences.

“Local businesses are working hard to create employment and prosperity. I am doing everything I can to champion their cause – including meeting members of the local Federation of Small Businesses and attending the British Chambers of Commerce conference last week to see what more can be done to help businesses in the constituency thrive.”